Skribe
How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

There's nothing like talking to Omar about Prince and his idol Stevie Wonder. In part 1 we discuss being hailed as a musical prodigy, influences, collaborators and the creative process. Not to be missed.

How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Show Notes

Omar burst onto the UK and world music scene as a prodigious young teenage talent, and was signed to the Talkin' Loud label in the early 90s. Emerging from the London Acid Jazz scene alongside seminal groups like The Young Disciples, The Brand New Heavies and Jamiroquai, he made waves with breakout soul ballad There's Nothing Like This, and early albums such as 1992s Music. Having never compromised his musical and artistic integrity to court mainstream success his eclectic output has won him the admiring ears of many of the industry's biggest names. He's collaborated with Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Paul Weller, Leon Ware, Lamont Dozier and of course one of his biggest idols Stevie Wonder. In this candid conversation he discusses being compared to the likes of Prince and Stevie, but also how he's maintained his career over the last 30 years. 'Essensual' listening...

More from How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Jun 17, 2026
As President of Prince's Paisley Park Records, Alan Leeds tried to bridge a relationship between mercurial artist and major corporation. In the final part of the interview he also shares his favourite memories of various artists, including D'Angelo.

Born in Jackson Heights, New York, Alan Leeds is an American music industry legend, as a tour manager and production manager, he is best known for his work organising performances and concert tours for artists such as James Brown, Prince, KISS, Cameo, D'Angelo and Chris Rock.

May 30, 2026
Brazilian beaches in high heels, frenzied premieres in limousines and some general counsel for a genius. But behind the scenes, some very rare moments of vulnerability, "when the Emperor had no clothes", as Alan Leeds tells Sam Bleazard in part 2.

Born in Jackson Heights, New York, Alan Leeds is an American music industry legend, as a tour manager and production manager, he is best known for his work organising performances and concert tours for artists such as James Brown, Prince, KISS, Cameo, D'Angelo and Chris Rock.

May 4, 2026
The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, glam rockers KISS, Prince, D'Angelo - Alan Leeds has had quite a life in artist management. Ahead of publishing his career memoir, he sits down with Sam Bleazard to discuss his seminal experiences in music.

Born in Jackson Heights, New York, Alan Leeds is an American music industry legend, as a tour manager and production manager, he is best known for his work organising performances and concert tours for artists such as James Brown, Prince, KISS, Cameo, D'Angelo and Chris Rock.

Apr 7, 2026
Celebrating our 5th Anniversary Pt 1: Those who knew Prince in the late 1970s, from school days through to early band try outs in Minneapolis...we spoke to his first Manager, band members, but also writers who studied this crucial period. Essential.

Welcome to this very special 5th Anniversary episode of 'How Can U Just Leave Me Standing?' - the podcast where we go in search, of Prince. By talking to band members, artists influenced by the purple one, academics and fans, we shed further light on a unique musical legacy.

Mar 24, 2026
Xclusive interview with author, actor, dancer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Mayte Garcia, Prince's first wife and band member in the New Power Generation. "My measurements were the code to the Vault," she tells Sam.

Mayte Garcia was born in Alabama to parents of Puerto Rican descent, growing up in various part of the United States, and in Germany (due to her father’s career in the military), and spent her summers in Puerto Rico with her extended family.

See all episodes →